It has been a busy week for pirate scouting parties, with the SMS reporting that not one but five of their installations have been probed by pirate scouts. SMS Fortress and Olpah in Solo, Avalon in the Cluster, Rockall in Inferno and Pompeii in Pegasus have all seen skirmishes erupting along their perimeters, with multiple pirate ground parties being destroyed by SMS defence forces. It is understood by our reporters that incidents of this nature, where a small scout party approaches a Starbase only to be destroyed by the Starbases entire defensive compliment is leading to a change in the standing orders for military commanders throughout the Peripheries, with instructions being issued on how to destroy scouts without revealing the full weight of the defences. Or in other words, trigger happy armoured division commanders have been told not to shoot every single gun they have when two guys pop their heads over the top of a nearby hill. It remains to be seen how well this will go down with military commanders. Speculation is rife as to the identity of the pirates, with suggestions ranging from Pirate Large scouting out a new target, to the Flagritz Empire conducting black ops.

*** RIP Implicated In Something *** The name of the hidden RIP outpost of Goats Head Prime has been leaked to the media, fuelling rumours that the RIP are up to something sinister in Acropolis, Francoise or Starling. It is not the responsibility of the Inter-Galactic News to speculate, but we've heard stories that the RIP are about to unleash a new super-plague from hidden outposts throughout known space. Allegedly.

*** Storm *** The Krell outpost Citadel located on the asteroid Warlord's Seat has come under Falconian ground attack. According to Krell sources Krell Citadel was the primary route of evacuation from Vjun, and that the outpost has since been largely mothballed, consisting of a dome, command centre and shuttle ports, with 14 employees and 7 Krell Mercenaries mounting a typically Krellian defence.

*** DTR Freighter *** The peace between the IMP and DTR is still being ironed out, with reports reaching our news-room of a further incident in orbit of Booker. The DTR merchant Navy have released the following statement detailing the inident: FM: DTR Merchant Navy TO: IMP SB: Live-fire incidents

Gentlebeings, a DTR freighter was destroyed upon entering orbit of Booker last week. This came as somewhat of a surprise as another DTR freighter had narrowly evaded destruction (and suffered heavy damage) in the week before from exactly the same IMP installations. With the death toll among civilian DTR crews mounting we would like to request a formal announcement from the IMP if and when they will stop shooting at DTR positions at Booker. A rescue mission for the survivors of last week's attack has been held up awaiting your reply. For the greater glory of the Republic <signed> Abelard Lindsay for the DTR Merchant Navy The Imperial Viceroy has confirmed that the matter is being investigated, and that notice will be given when enemy lists are confirmed cleared.

*** Pirates *** A number of suspicious pirate scouting parties have been spotted poking around the perimeter of COH Ves Ghorman. It is suspected these are part of the same operation that has been scouting SMS bases.

*** Skirmish *** Two Flagritz vessels have been destroyed in the Crusade system by a small Felini squadron. It is understood an attempt to board the FLZ vessels had failed, so the decision was taken to destroy them instead. A FLZ ground party at the same location was also destroyed. It is not known what the ground party was up to.

*** GTT Attacked *** The GTT vessel Thorough has been destroyed by the Falconian Empire this week, prompting an immediate apology by the FCN governor involved, who offered to pay full reparations. Admiral Lord Simm, the Imperial Viceroy responded coldly to the incident, being quoted in the press as saying, "You do realise that shooting at a Chartered Affiliation position in IMP space is grounds for expelling an affiliation from our systems? If I were you I would consider making it worthwhile for the GTT not to insist on this." It is not known what the official GTT response to this incident is.

*** Marcus Rhodes *** A commemorative wreath has been laid in the Detinus House Of Lords marking the recent death of Ambassador Marcus Rhodes during the destruction of his vessel in orbit of Earth. Fragmentary recordings from the black box transmitter have gifted to us all the wisdom of Ambassador Rhodes' last words. Regrettably these last words were: 'You Bastards!' Which in terms of historical significance… probably not so much.

*** Press Release *** The Flagritz Empire has released the following press release: "Glory to Officer Urn,

Battlefield Officer Urn Commander of HH Baseship ZZ-Unry'u (63108) exhibited great courage in Flagritz tradition & returned from Battlefield in a smoking Baseship. Urn exhibited courage, critically damaged and short of crew, jump engine, ISR engines, thrust engines fended boarding attacks whilst refitting under the noses of the Consortium. Crusade Glory to Operations Team 13 who died against overwhelming odds after completing their Crusade objectives against the Felini. We will honour you in similar fashion.

Baw'Xok Imperator Flagritz Empire Glory to the Empire" This release is understood to relate to the recent reports carried by this fine publication regarding the crippled FLZ Baseship that the SMS were attempting to board.

*** Krell Vessel destroyed *** A Krell scout ship has been intercepted and destroyed by Falconian patrol forces in the Storm system.

*** Retirement *** The AFT scourge of Piracy, Archangel, has this week announced his retirement. We hope he finds his retirement boring, and returns to active duty sooner rather than later.

*** Bankrupt? *** Rumours are spreading that Garcia Industries might have run out of liquid cash reserves, with the Iron Brethren reporting that their recent attempt to trade with GCE Oasis had failed due to a shortage of funds. The GCE were quick to respond, re-assuring traders that this was a temporary glitch, and that it did not reflect upon the organisation at all.

*** Wolfpack *** The mercenary company Wolfpack have struck back at the GCE for their involvement in the COH outpost hit a few weeks ago, ambushing and destroying the GCE Delirium, a 70 hull Gonsalo class Heavy Cruiser. Eight Wolfpack warships were spotted in the action, along with four pirate vessels reporting to belong to the Blood Angels organisation. It is not known if they are separate to the Wolfpack, or part of the same mercenary company. The Delirium was lost with all hands, and barely even had time to get off a distress call.

***** Periphery Classifieds *****

***** From The Posting Boards *****

ted has just posted a new topic entitled "Base printout problem" in forum "Bug Reporting". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I noticed on my starbase printouts that the areas listing docked positions are empty although there are several ships docked. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The topic can be found here:

Nik has just posted a new topic entitled "Control factors and race type" in forum "Questions/Rules Discussion".

---------------------------------------------------------------------- I know that on ships the race of the troop has an effect on how many crew factors are provided. Is this also the case for the control factors a troop type gives to a Starbase (or on a boarding action for that matter)? I.e. being human, if my Starbase is on normal spread then human soldiers give 4 control factors each. Would Feleni, Kastorian etc soldiers also give 4 control factors each? If not, what do they give (half??) And yes, if you calculate what the values should be from a SB report, the race of troop makes no difference - but the code could be different when a battle is run and at that point, it is too late.... Nik ----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Pirate ground party ‘Pirate 20’ has been destroyed on the planet Hammer in the Solo system by the DTR Starbase Opportunity. It is thought the Flagritz Empire platform in orbit of Hammer had detected the pirates, and may well have combined fire with DTR Opportunity’s fleet of Interceptors and Bombers that took off to blast the pirates into oblivion. Reports indicate that over 10,000 single-man warships were seen taking off from the DTR base in typical pirate ground party overkill style.

*** Illegal Outpost *** The Imperial services have moved to remove an illegal SMS outpost from the Pegasus system. The SMS outpost Out There, located on a barren asteroid in the outer reaches of the system was discovered by the Imperial Navy during a routine patrol. Upon consultation with their records, it was found the SMS had failed to submit the proper registration documents in triplicate with the Imperial Viceroy, at which point the IMP Patrol Commissioner posted notice to the SMS that the Outpost would be removed immediately. The SMS were able to evacuate 40 employees and a small quantity of Jacium from the mining outpost before approximately forty Imperial warships entered orbit and destroyed the facility with a short sharp bombardment. According to SMS sources the outpost consisted of four mines.

*** Outpost Recaptured *** Glorious QNG ground forces have finally ended speculation that they are about as much use as a Krell designed nuclear hand-grenade by recapturing the outpost that was taken from them by the Wolfpack Mercenary Company some weeks ago. In a peculiar twist to this story, reports indicate that a pirate spy was caught and executed whilst attempting to enter the outpost, even though there were at the time no troops present.

*** Armour Wanted *** Greetings Sentients, I am in the market for some armour plate. If you have any for sale, please let me know via private channels. I will happily arrange transport. Thank you for your time, Marion Tweedy, AFT

*** Eggs Wanted *** Kourdda fellow members of the peripheries, Mohache chefs are seeking the finest eggs in the galaxy. If you feel you have anything to offer please contact me and I shall pass on details of your offerings to the chefs. I should point out that for some strange reason the Chefs do NOT want Hive Eggs, and that 'land based' eggs would be best. In Harvest & Trade! Hadktor Bennim Gvnr Tollars New Dawn (84145)

*** Haulage Contracts Sought *** Indeed I am Dirtious G I run G's Dirty IMP Courier Service, We deliver up to 3000 MU's of cargo at the moment (I'm just starting out) on your behalf. As long as it is not a life form we don't mind. Anything considered.

***** From The Posting Boards ***** mica has just posted a new topic entitled "Periphery Adjustment" in forum "Everything Else". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Just warning players that we will be reflagging a few systems, moving them from the outer to the inner capellan periphery. The common systems will be Dryad, Stockton, Blowton, Kasmer and Misre. There primary reason for this is to reduce the overcrowding of the outer and increase the inner. This will become clear when you see the online periphery maps in a few weeks time. It will also modify some trade goods. So you have a few weeks to stash or offload stockpiles. No doubt there will be questions as to why some of the online peripheries appear blank... David refused to put pictures of mythical beasts, terra incognita and 'ere be dragons comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Detinus Republic have appointed a new Foreign Minister to take over the slot left vacant by the retirement and subsequent atomisation in Earth orbit of Ambassador Marcus Rhodes. Long serving Senator Cassius Jerusalem, previously the Minister In Charge of Office Equipment Paperclips And Other Sundries, was happy to accept the nomination, just as soon as somebody managed to wake him up, whereupon we understand he immediately leapt into action to secure himself a far larger office at the New Tate parliament building. The Editor of the Inter-Galactic News would like to re-assure readers that the long-standing friendship between the Editor and Senator Jerusalem will in no way affect the neutrality of this fine publication.

Pirate OutpostCIA Patrols detected a pirate outpost in an orbital quadrant of the Nexus system earlier this week, and a company of Startroopers was promptly dispatched to show them who was boss. The CIA Intelligence Director Stephen Armstrong briefed IGN reporters on the action, informing us that the outpost consisted of just 1 maintenance complex, 20 patches and 20 kastorian employees. 2 of the employees are understood to have fled when the startroopers arrived, even though the outpost is in a space quad, their fate is unknown, but it is suspected they must have known something about who set up the outpost to have taken their own lives by throwing themselves out into the void. Director Armstrong commented on the action, “The employees are in the process of being moved somewhere more conducive where they will be encouraged to talk about who sponsored them and who they got their orders from. My guess is that the outpost was in the process of being set up, or someone got cold feet whilst setting it up and left it there for us to find.” The IGN are confident that the traditional CIA interrogation techniques of the comfy chair and the nice cup of tea will be employed to devastating effect.

Piracy The Wolfpack are operating once again in the St. Dismas system. The pirates, along with the Blood Angel group, were understood to be en-route to the orbit of Steel when they were intercepted by a lone AFT early warning defence yacht which brought the pirates to battle. Two unfortunate AFT freighters, the Mad Miracle and the Camus arrived while the battle was ongoing, and were destroyed alongside the brave yacht. After this brief engagement, it seems as if the pirates promptly withdrew before heavier elements of the Anti-Piracy Task Force could respond, although a single SMS warship did manage to fire off about one light photon gun at a retreating Blood Angel vessel. Maximillian Price of the AFT has spoken out about recent pirate activity in and around St. Dismas: "The recent continued attacks from the Wolfpack mercenary company have led me to believe that they are not the acts of 'normal' desperate pirates in need a profit. "I really want to point the finger but due to the nature of the AFT rules and regulations I can't as it would endanger the whole affiliation and our members are a peaceful community of traders. "I will say that these are certainly not 'real' pirates, or 'mercenaries' as they seem to like to call themselves. I find it hard to believe that the citizens of the planets that these ships originate from would accept their government if they knew they are allowing their navy to openly and wantonly murder and kill a peaceful association of hard working individuals. "My condolences go out to the families of the AFT employees and crewmen who are dying at the hands of these murderers and I hope that one day the Wolfpack and their sponsors will be brought to justice. "Although whenever that time comes it will be too late for the many grieving families amongst the AFT membership"

News From Earth With more news reaching us now from the Sol system, it seems as if early reports indicating the desperate state of life on the birthplace of humanity have not been exaggerated. The DTR Foreign Ministry has confirmed that unemployment rates are extremely high, and living conditions in the vast mega-cities that have spread across the Euro-Asian landmass of the planet are at best politely described as ‘harsh’. Generations without jobs or prospects have left the planet in a state of extreme psychic shock.

Salachia News Report The RIP News Network, that longstanding inferior reporting body which is typically plagued by Alien Brain Parasite infection, is carrying the following story: Yank, Mobile Bay, RIP Salachia (99627),(RNN) - 11 Feb 08 marks another milestone for the RIP starbase Salachia, located on Mobile Bay, in the Yank system. The first, in a line of six 20NH Courier ships, was completed and rolled out of the starship construction yards. "Today marks a very important day for Salachia's ability to produce ships which may be used to bolster the RIP fleet or to sell on the open market" stated Franky "spotweld" Jackson, head of Salachia's starship production program. "Before the Courier BP was even installed we had production teams already assembling the necessary parts and equipment for immediate installation. I would like to add that our comrades at Quick Snack were vital in this endeavor by providing us with the necessary Courier BP. We are now able to continue to offer the RIP specialized small-medium sized ships which have a plethora of uses." Speaking from his off-world office at the Jiggly Room at Quick Snack, Salachia's governor Scarlet Jack responded to the news of the Courier's completion with an enthusiastic "coolio!" [RNN staff writer, Bleech Blonde, reporting.

Periphery Classifieds

*** Officers Wanted By Affiliation That Wishes It Had Cassius Jerusalem as Foreign Minister *** The Flagritz is recruiting 200 inexperienced Naval Officers for our warship programme. If you have starbases or freighters with naval officers - turn them into quick stellars. Baw'Xok Imperator Flagritz Empire Glory to the Empire

*** Contact Request That Does Not Involve The DTR Foreign Ministry ***

Greetings Could the Governor of AFT Aurora please get in touch as soon as possible! Elder Fangneye Dewiek Elder Nation

*** Jiggly Room Secrets Revealed To Not Have Anything To Do With The DTR Foreign Minister *** Q. How the hell do ya get away with it? A. By not getting caught! Gotta love being RIP!

*** Movies Not Sponsored By DTR *** A new era of co-operation has begun...The RIP and AFT are in high level talks about going in to the movie business together...They are going to film all their attacks on Pirates...We are going to hold special screenings at the Jiggly Room.Fantastic!Can't wait for the Awards ceremony... just need a name for it now...The Jigglies?

***** Message From The Editor ***** Reminder from Mica in last weeks edition:

New Online Site You are all invited to sign up for the new Phoenix Site. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are sufficiently chuffed with what is available right now that we will allow players to log-in and set to work carving their own niche in their affiliation areas. www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.phpTo register use the recruitment key word phoenix_player Everything else should be straightforward.

Also, please note that without email notifications, it’s much harder for me to monitor new topics for the ‘From The Posting Boards’ section of the newsletter. However, the Nexus does a pretty good job of highlighting new material when you visit it. So I’m in two minds as to what to do about it at the moment. Finally, does this mark some sort of record on the number of times that damned RIP Jiggly room has gotten a mention in one weeks news?

Our news this week is dominated by the activities of pirates, those vile marauders of the space lanes who have gone from being a minor nuisance, capturing the odd ship here and there, to a veritable force in the Peripheries, threatening major warships and most terrifying of all, full blown Starbase installations. Speculations continue, are the pirates a front for a major periphery government? Are they indeed led by the dread pirate king, finally returned at last after his mysterious disappearance several years ago from Sargasso? And on remote backwater planets, rumours continue to spread of sightings of the undead, swarming from pirate vessels to loot and pillage. Only one thing is for certain – the pirates could be lining you up as their next victim… Obviously we here at the IGN news headquarters feel entirely safe from pirate attack.

Pirate ScoutAnother pirate scouting party has struck, this time launching an assault against CIA Cuba in the London system. It can now be safely assumed that these small pirate ground parties are intentionally tickling Starbase defences looking for weak targets, and anybody so probed would be well advised to invest in some additional defence works.

St. DismasThe recent aborted operation by the Wolfpack mercenaries in the St. Dismas system drew a heavy APTF response, however the pirate Wolfpack was able to gloat, having somehow managed to spot most of these vessels and evade them.

St. DismasNot all the pirates in St. Dismas were so fortunate however, as the fearsome Wimble military machine has gained another kill, destroying the PIR Ghost Of St. Dismas scout vessel. The grandfather of the Wimble nation has been quoted in the press: “After that slight problem with a PIR ship getting in the way of our waste dispensers in St Dismas a few months ago, it seems to have happened again. And we were trying to be so careful with the trash this time. WMB Pitchfork was offloading a bunch of rubbish from the rail guns and the WMB platform was going to use its tractor beams to grab the rubbish containers and redirect them for disposal. Something seems to have happened and a little ship got caught in the middle, pinned by the tractor beams and hit full on by some of the trash! We managed to avoid the ship with the first offload but then the second lot caught it!”

Pirate ScoutFour Dewiek pirate Mercenaries have attacked the AFT Starbase Blackbirds Nest in Yank. It is understood they were very very drunk.

SkirmishFlagritz Empire forces are reporting the destruction of another FCN scouting party at an undisclosed location, though it is suspected to be another Twilight operation.

Pirate OnslaughtEarlier this week during the 2 day Periphery wide communications blackout, pirates struck at SMS Pompeii, a major SMS fleet installation. Early reports indicated a massive ground force of 5000 light tanks and 2000 Mk2 assault tanks appeared suddenly from the wilderness around the Starbase and closed with the defenders. Heavy fighting erupted as re-inforcements rushed to the scene, however this seems to have been too late, as 40,000 blood-thirsty pirate marines suddenly mysteriously appeared in the battle supporting the armoured forces and crushed the SMS defenders before they had time to respond. We are sorry to report that SMS Pompeii has fallen to the pirates. Meanwhile in orbit a heavy combined APTF fleet responded, combining elements from the Imperial Stellar Patrol, the SMS Navy, the Detinus Republic system patrol forces, and elements from the DEN, RIP and QNG. Three small pirate picket vessels consisting of a gunboat and two yachts that were left in the Orbital Quadrant were engaged and destroyed while the relieving fleet waited and debated their response. An Imperial and SMS strike force entered orbit and bombarded PIR Pompeii for a day, but with the Pirates able to capture Pompeii with her Starbase shielding intact, they were barely able to scratch the entrenched pirates. It is thought this strike force will have left orbit by time of press. There are reports that indicate the SMS high command has been hampered by multiple communications blackouts throughout this operation, suggesting the pirate attack has managed to target their command and control networks as well as their military forces. There has been no comment from the Flagritz Empire.

Wolfpack The Wolfpack has struck in the Storm system, targeting the AFT. Early reports indicate heavy AFT casualties. Two 150 hull FET warships are understood to have been present, but they were heavily outgunned by the 15 Wolfpack warships. The Wolfpack mercs have provided the following information to our newsroom:

It is not known if the Wolfpack mercs suffered any casualties when they withdrew, but fingers are crossed that the might have lost one ship to the FET.

Eritrea FallsUnbelievably, SMS Pompeii is not the only Starbase to have been captured by pirates this week. KAS Eritrea on Mobile Bay in the Yank system has also fallen. We understand that AFT Blackbirds Nest on the same planet was also attacked, but while the AFT were successful in fighting off the pirates, the Kastorian Military Junta were not. An AFT ground party attempted to come to the aide of the KAS, but were just a few hours too late, as Eritrea fell to the pirates, leaving the AFT suddenly engaged with the starbases newly retargeted defences. The capture of Eritrea sent shockwaves through all installations on and above the planet, as we understand a veritable firestorm erupted as every artillery piece on the planet was targeted against the pirates. The AFT ground forces are reporting heavy blue-on-blue casualties, and are requesting for all parties to cease fire while they continue their attempt to win back the Starbase on foot. There has been no response from the Kastorian Military Junta regarding this humiliating defeat in their home system. AFT sources are reporting that at time of press approximately 10% of the Starbase is in their hands, but that the continuing heavy artillery bombardment has cost them approximately 30% casualties. The battle continues.

Junta Response to Pirate Capture of EritreaWell, we never wanted the bloody thing - was was thrust upon us as a bad debt. Anyone that retakes it from the pirates are welcome to it.

News Flash!Pirate Large claims responsibility for the capture of Pompeii! Ransom note delivered to SMS high command!

Periphery Classifieds

*** Lost and Found *** Could someone from the OPS get in touch please? Your long-awaited item is now safe & sound in the right periphery, and awaiting pickup, so I need to know who to issue the PA to. Jon, QNG.

*** Eggs? Anybody? Please? *** Kourdda fellow members of the peripheries, Mohache chefs are seeking the finest eggs in the galaxy. If you feel you have anything to offer please contact me and I shall pass on details of your offerings to the chefs. I should point out that for some strange reason the Chefs do NOT want Hive Eggs, and that 'land based' eggs would be best. In Harvest & Trade! Hadktor Bennim Gvnr Tollars New Dawn (84145)

TakeoverThe DTR have launched a hostile takeover bid for the EEM. Stating that for too long the EEM have maintained an unfair market position, Speaker of the Detinus House Of Lords, Admiral Sivar, has explained that the Detinus Republic intend to replace the EEM monopoly with a much fairer DTR monopoly.

Unfortunate Herring Related Casualty The VSC regrets to inform everyone of the death of General Harrold Sanchez. He died of a sudden short illness. General Sanchez single-handedly started the Varitang Space Command and negotiated the return of the Vehrenberg Platform. He was also becoming prominent in the local political organizations. Reports that the General is currently fit and healthy surely indicate that the VSC have been infiltrated at the very highest levels by the walking dead.

EritreaFighting has continued as the AFT battle to retake the KAS Starbase Eritrea from the pirates. Despite heavy artillery fire from the Children of Hexos, the AFT forces have been making good headway. According to sources within the AFT the pirate force that captured the base initially only consisted of around 500 mercenaries, and were no doubt as surprised as anyone when their attack actually succeeded – news which heaps yet more humiliation upon the Kastorian Military Junta.

Breaking News: Despite ongoing miscommunications regarding reinforcements, Eritrea has been captured by the AFT, it is expected to be reflagged to reflect this today. It appears as if most AFT casualties were inflicted not by the pirates, but by blue-on-blue friendly fire from other installations on planet.

LostThe Kastorian Military Junta are reeling this week with news that every single vessel in their System Patrol Fleet has mysteriously disappeared. KAS authorities have angrily denied rumours that the fleet has decided to turn to piracy in protest over low wages, and have re-assured all that the Yank system remains firmly under their control, and that rumours of a civil war are utterly unjustified. Meanwhile KAS civilians have started to flee from Mobile Bay, as rumours circulate that the planet has been targeted for destruction by the Kastorian System Weapon.

ARCAn Architect vessel has been spotted in the outer reaches of the Skord system, apparently to those who can find it, the sentient vessel is offering to exchange rare technology for certain hard to find ores.

PompeiiThe siege of Pompeii continues, with the SMS refusing to give in to Pirate Larges’ outrageous ransom demands, which are understood to amount to over seven million stellars for the return of a stripped Starbase and free passage. Artillery captured by Large during the operation has been turned against other SMS installations on the planet, forcing the SMS to launch a desperate rescue operation, pulling out hundreds of troops and employees. With the pirates well dug in, heads are being scratched regarding how to recapture the base. It is thought harsh language may be deployed.

PompeiiConfusion abounds as PIR Pompeii was momentarily flagged up as being an Imperial facility on some EEM operated computer systems.

Infectious OutbreakAfter months of vigorous investigation it seems as if the centre of the recurrent alien brain parasite infections is in fact the RIP operated Jiggly room. Under cover of harmless jiggly fun, the RIP have secretly been infesting patrons with vile parasites. Disturbingly enough upon running this story, our newsroom is genuinely expecting business to increase at the Jiggly room.

Is the nature of your complaint likely to be one that The Editor will give a damn about? ( ) No. ( ) No. ( ) No.

Please describe the nature of your complaint in the space provided below between the two asterisks, be sure to include references and the full text of the material you are complaining about. Failure to include sufficient information will result in your complaint being rejected. * * Thank you for taking the time to complete this official complaint form. Please be advised The Editor will process your complaint in a suitable manner. Simon. ****** Contacts: Editor: Simon Field - sss editor [at] googlemail [replacetoavoidspamdot] com or PM Jerusalem

News

Is open for business...

***** Inter Galactic News *****

*** Wimbles Crisis Solved ***

The Wimble Crisis of 217 has come to an end with the human Baron making way to the wimble Grandfather Paden Mastaak. Celebrations were held in Wimbledon upon the news with crack teams of Wimble security staff guarding all the pies.

Itâ€™s unclear how long the Wimbles will enjoy this new era of peace and self-determination.

Vocal Wimble Dinasha, one of Padenâ€™s early backers, has chosen this precarious moment to bait Dewiek, Flagritz and humans who were initially disposed to be friendly to the new administration. Whilst the Wimbles' history with the former-slave-loving Flagritz could be understood, their animosity towards the Dewiek and humans was more mysterious. One insider alluded to a rise in the number of cases of foot-and-mouth across the herd as being a likely cause.

Inside this issue of the SSS: * Storm in a Teacup *** Yahn Bares All * &etc

The stargates are closed! Reports from multiple sources indicate at least three of the stargates, all within Dewiek controlled systems, have been closed.

Two different sources have indicated that the TCA have been spotted recently in a number of systems and may be behind this turn of events. A scan sent to the SSS indicated eight TCA ships were recently spotted first in the Faery system and later near the Kasmer stargate.

Another source, suspiciously put the blame on the ARC, suggesting the ARC and DEN were working together because they â€śneed to trap [the TCA] and try and finish them off after the DEN bodged their operation to protect the ARC while they incinerated the MEK homeworld, which ended up with several ARC ships being destroyed and the job only being half done."

However, with no public statement from the Dewiek themselves, its hard to know whether these rumours are reliable.

Lord Igor of the Dominion and Erasmus Andersen of the Garcia Family both offered public apologies at the delay in meeting their trade commitments because of the recent closures. The not-so-subtle subtext being that someone will pay with blood for this interference in their business. Or at least with a stealthy price rise.

Inside this issue of the SSS: * Wimble Civil Strife * Who Sniffs the Sniffers? * Larginâ€™ It * &etc

The Flagritz Empire is no more! The Flagritz Republic is reborn! Quick on the heel of the collapse of the Empire, the Fessin caste declared a new era of foreign and economic policy with a rapid withdrawal behind the Black Gate.

The new ecologically-friendly Prime Minister Kayxaer, asked for patience as â€śeconomicâ€ť reforms were undertaken. It remains to be seen whether there will be any price to pay for the dramatic changes being made by the reclusive Flagritzi or whether it will all be sunshine and rainbows going forward.

Naplian Forces have attacked three human pirate outposts in the Morroglyph system. A spokesperson for Naplia HQ told the press that the plucky duct-tape loving free people would continue their war against slavers and pirates in their home periphery.

One salty Naplian libertarian told the SSS, â€śThe people of the Naplian Home Periphery are sick and tired of human criminals coming here just because their homeworld is an overcrowded hell. Itâ€™s time for them to go back home.â€ť

In good news for all the galaxy the Flagritzi have vowed to liberate all slaves across their Empire. Furthermore, the hectapods have given up eating other sentient species; taking up a strict diet of veganism and soy chai lattes. Sales of turtle neck sweaters and Forbidden Fruit laptops have skyrocketed.

The news was cautiously welcomed by the benevolent Felini Tyranny who looked forward to reducing the War phase of their daily Nap-Lick-Nap-War-Nap-Eat-Sleep cycle to a perfunctory forty winks.

Inside this issue of the SSS: * Baron Womble * A Short History of the DPP * &etc

A massive fleet of some 1600 warships, including large numbers of super-heavy capital 300 and 400 hullers, attacked the DEN in the Solo system, catching them with their metaphorical pants down. The DEN gate platform and some two hundred DEN freighters were subject to antimatter missiles amongst other high tech ordinance.

Jack the lad, Viceroy of the Empire, claimed a victory for freedom and the Imperial (right of) way leaving the sullen Dewiek unusually unresponsive.

With DOM platforms firing on CIA ships, will the IMP now demand the DOM add them to the Do Not Fire lists as well? And what exactly is the nature of the DOM and DEN alliance in light of the sustained attack from the Empire? And will the DENâ€™s alien friends stand idly by as the Empire fleet camps in the vital gate system of Solo? How will the DEN retaliate for this action or are they ready to roll over and have their bellies rubbed?

All this remains unknown. All that is certain is the â€śfeel goodâ€ť factor across the DTR has increased, with citizens reassured that for some time yet, they may continue in their slumber with the easy assurance that their number is not coming up anytime soon.

Dewiek forces had a hefty smackdown against the mysterious living ships known as the Tâ€™Cath (TCA). Seven adult TCA 400 hull capital ships, each firing eight of their notorious plasma cannons, were killed by a DEN and DOM fleet of some 700 ships.

Of the minimal losses suffered by the DEN / DOM, one-eyed Magnus and Nevets Motnhap of the FEL were amongst the dead.

Listenâ€¦Thereâ€™s no sound of anger or of annoyance, Thereâ€™re neither cruisers racing on the jump lanesNor there jump lanes for them to race on, Thereâ€™re neither monks chanting on the battlegroundsNor bells calling us to the True One.Thereâ€™s neither the lightning cracking of the skyNor the persistent Naplians pattering on my roof.Thereâ€™s no Dewiek arm in arm to admire the magnificent viewThereâ€™re no war drums to feed Human earsNor Hive sirens to steal the boredom awayThereâ€™s no unfamiliar wing creeping underneath the Falconian sunNor floods to enshroud the Aquaphid groundsThe land lies lonely out hereOn this lazy summerâ€™s dayThereâ€™s no pollution to poison the airs of InversionNor forests to give them lifeAll I hear is the hushing sound of the windAssisting the sand to fall into beautiful undulations.

The Imperials have cunningly saved the Falconian Republic from being consumed by the Dewiek Elder Nation and at no small cost to the DEN either. Whilst the new pro tem Consul crowed about the â€śvictoryâ€ť, all former FCN systems besides Acropolis have been taken over by the two warring Empires - Human and Flagritz.

Was it all worth it? For the IMP / GTT it clearly was, for the movement of a few hundred thousand troops is surely nothing to the cost they endured trying to and failing to knock the DEN out of Solo after the fact. The FCN now plucked off most of their navy and wider assets are a tiny nothing of their former self. The DEN may have resorted to some dirty namecalling but can the costs endured to save an enfeebled FCN have really been worth it? Time will tell.

Iâ€™ve played on and off for approximately 10 years, over a 20 year spell. After some interesting debate on the in-game forum, I did wonder what, exactly, has kept drawing me back to the game, when for so many others Iâ€™ve generally lost interest after a few months.

Ultimately, I think it is a combination of automation (that allows the game to handle thousands of positions to interact on a daily basis) coupled with Special Actions (that allow the story arc to develop in a way that could not be catered for by a set of predefined list of available orders).
-Zigic